Shock compression experiments were performed on 6061‐T6 aluminum up to 160 GPa to probe aluminum strength in the shocked state as it passes through the melt regime. A careful set of experiments, using established two and three stage flyer plate launch techniques were conducted using symmetric impact loading conditions to compress the aluminum through the solid to the liquid phase boundary. Velocity interferometry provides the fine structure of shock loading and release behavior almost as an in situ particle velocity wave profile at the aluminum/lithium fluoride window interface. Results are detailed in terms of wave speeds and estimates of strength of the material in the shocked state.
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